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A police spokesman said that searches of the building and of other properties in the area will continue throughout the day, but added that all the road closures have been lifted.

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) — thee government department that oversees JobCentres and benefit payments — has now confirmed that no one who missed their appointments due to the incident would face sanctions.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

A spokesman for the DWP, when asked whether claimants would face any penalty for missing their appointments, said: “No, all appointments are being rearranged.